[MoreWhisky]

Have sown a row of each 

White Gem 80% germination 

Gladiator 20% germination  have gone past the waiting stage and now on the praying stage.

Anybody else trying both this yr ? and how they comparing? is it just me 

[MoreWhisky]

41 of you only growing one variety?

[Aunt Sally]

I'm growing both gladiator and white gem.  When I say growing I use the term lightly.  I should say I've sown them both three times but have yet to see a leaf 

[DD.]

Yes I'm only growing one variety!

It happens to be Gladiator. Did the usual small pinch every 8". Not got one miss in a 32' row.

Now I've got to thin out & throw some away!

[Aunt Sally]

Aunty don't like you DD. 

[DD.]

I'll let you have the thinings!

[diggerjoe]

I'm going to have to perfect this 'pinch every 8"' technique of DD's    I'm on my third try.

[Aunt Sally]

I'll let you have the thinings!

Ta 

I've resorted to putting pinches in paper tubes now

[DD.]

I'm going to have to perfect this 'pinch every 8"' technique of DD's    I'm on my third try.

You must pinch too hard - it only needs a gentle nip!

[Aunt Sally]

I'm going to have to perfect this 'pinch every 8"' technique of DD's    I'm on my third try.

You must pinch too hard - it only needs a gentle nip!

... and never shout at them - perhaps that's where I went wrong 

[zepherine]

This year I have had 80% germination with White Gem and 70 % with Gladiator.
Last year had 100% with White King and they were amazing - huge sweet and very tender 

[Trebor]

I am definitely of the view it is how you plant and care for Parsnips rather than the type you grow.

I planted one type (can’t remember which) and got zero germination. Moved over to Gladiator and grew them under a cling film cover – all of them came up. I left some more uncovered and still had zero germination because they were dry. Likewise out on the plot some germinated, but these were the ones in the shade and hence damper conditions. I would stick with the type you prefer, but cloche or cover them to keep damp during germination then you should have more success.

[sunshineband]

I've got Tender & True and had about 95%  germination at least  Just planted them in rows about six inches apart per seed and eight inches between the rows 

[diggerjoe]

I'll try my best to nip not pinch DD. I've always had clumsy fingers. If everything was the size of a bean seed I'd be happy. As you can imagine I'm a disater with lettuce 

[Goosegirl]

Had an unopened packet of "White Gem" from last year so gave it a whirl. Made a shallow drill, watered it and pinch sowed then covered it in dry soil. Got about 75% germination which wasn't bad considering the cold snap and the snails (despite pelleting). Maybe try "White King" next year as long as they are stump rooted for my deep beds on clay soil which I am improving with gritty topsoil and plenty of home made compost. Luv honey roasted parsnips!!!